Han Zigao

Han Zigao (Chinese: 韩子高; pinyin: Hán Zi Gāo) (538-567), formerly known as Han Manzi (韓蠻子), was a Chinese general. He is recorded in history for his beauty and for being the favorite lover of Emperor Wen of Chen.

Han Zigao was born as Han Manzi (韓蠻子) in 538. He was born in Jingshi Jiankang (now Nanjing, Jiangsu). His father, Han Yanqing, was a farmer. He was well known because of his beauty even from a young age; it was said that he was good-looking like a 'beautiful girl'. Living during war times he experienced many dangerous situations, however on many occasions, when soldiers approached him they saw his beauty and could not bring themselves to hurt him.

Around 554, when he was 16-years-old, he met the future Emperor Wen of Chen, by then only a general. Chen was deeply attracted to Han Zigao's breath-taking beauty and urged him to go with him, promising the boy a life of wealth.After entering Chen's service, the last gave him a new name, Zigao, and made him his personal assistant. Not long after, Han Zigao became his favorite lover.

Chen was a short-tempered person, but it was said that every time he became angry, he would look at Han Zigao and calm down. Han learnt military skills quickly and became Chen's right-hand man. One day, Chen promised to Han: "people say I am destined to be an Emperor, if it comes true, you will become my queen." Chen became an Emperor in 559, but he was unable to keep his promise, and instead he made him a general. Han Zigao spent all his time with Chen until he died in 566. Less than a year after Chen's death, Han Zigao was accused of treason, persecuted, and then executed by the future Emperor Xuan of Chen, Chen's younger brother, with whom he never got along.

Outside the tomb of Chen, discovered in 2013, two statues of pixiu were found, different from the usual male and female design, since both of them are male. Female counterpart of this mythological species are known as bìxié; the only difference being that the females have a pair of horns on their heads.

He was first recorded in Book of Chen, the official history of the Chen dynasty.

A web film based on Han Zigao's story, Han Zi Gao - The Male Queen, was released in 2016. The film was directed by Li Jinlun and stars Wang Yichen and Shao Shuai as Han Zigao and Chen, respectively.